Top 100 white wines of Greece - Page 2

Discover the top 100 best white wines of Greece as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the white wines that are popular of Greece and the best vintages to taste in this region.

Discovering the wine region of Greece

Greece, a mountainous Turkey/mediterranean">Mediterranean country in Southeastern Europe, is often considered the cradle of Western civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine has been made in Parts of Greece for over 4000 years. References in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey confirm that viticulture was widespread here in the 8th century BC. The importance of wine is also evident in Greek mythology.

Dionysus (the Greek god of wine) appears in the legends of all regions of Greece, from the plains of Attica to the Aegean island of Chios. From the 4th century onwards, the tumultuous history of Greece as part of the Byzantine Empire meant that viticulture did not flourish as it did in neighbouring Italy. As a result, Greece's importance in the modern wine world is far less than one might expect, given its early success. In the late 20th century, however, Greek viticulture showed signs of revitalization, supported by modern winemaking techniques and a generation of motivated, quality-oriented producers.

The modern face of Greek wine combines the traditional with the modern. Native Greek Grape varieties such as Assyrtico, Agiorgitiko and Xynomavro stand alongside famous international (French) varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The range of 21st century Greek wines includes fresh, citrusy whites, Sparkling rosés and deliciously Sweet reds. Geographically speaking, Greece consists of its mainland and numerous islands.

Discover the grape variety: Xinomavro

A very old grape variety grown in Greece and very well known in Central Macedonia. It is most certainly a descendant of white gouais and should not be confused with mavrud or mavroudi. It should be noted that many grape varieties have the synonym mavro. Xinomavro is registered in the Official Catalogue of wine grape varieties, list A1.

Food and wine pairing with a white wine of Greece

white wines from the region of Greece go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or vegetarian such as recipes of salmon and zucchini gratin, scallops in coral sauce or cream and tuna quiche.

Organoleptic analysis of white wine of Greece

On the nose in the region of Greece often reveals types of flavors of pineapple, brioche or black fruit and sometimes also flavors of red fruit, lychee or orange blossom. In the mouth in the region of Greece is a powerful with a nice freshness.

News from the vineyard of Greece

Andrew Jefford: ‘I urge every reader to enjoy wine thoughtfully’

I first contributed to Decanter back in November 1988; the hundreds of columns and articles I’ve written since constitute a journey of discovery. I squirm, though, if I’m described as a ‘wine expert’. Whatever wine knowledge we acquire quickly cools, congeals and crusts over, like custard or gravy, as the years pass. The wine world expands at a clip. Every vintage rewrites history. It’s the chance to share discoveries – not just about wines, but about people, places and the act of drinking itsel ...

A perfect pairing: Flatbread and cod roe emulsion

My father worked in the wholesale supply of fruit and vegetables. He would often come home with a box of the day’s best produce, and so I became interested in what was in season. Both my parents often worked late, so cooking dinner to help take some weight off them inspired me to want to learn more. My first kitchen job at age 14 was at a Greek restaurant in Southampton, and it inspired my love for foods of the eastern Mediterranean. Today, I’m lucky to be able to obtain the best produce from ‘O ...

Plans to rebuild after wildfire damages rare vines in Crete

Growers in the village of Melambes in Crete saw devastating wildfires cause ‘complete damage to 300 acres (121.4 hectares) of old pre-phylloxera vines’ in July, according to an online crowdfunding page created to support viticulture in the area and help those affected. Although fire burned 90% of the vineyard, it’s hoped some damaged vines can be rescued, said winemaker Iliana Malihin, of her namesake winery and who has spearheaded a community project to revive the site in recent years. Ye ...